​While we knew December would start off in a flurry of activity, we had no idea just how much longer that would continue past the end of the formal Nomads project in mid-December. However, we found ourselves in the right place at the right time, despite our best plans and good intentions to the contrary. As the days counted down to Christmas, we were serving meals in the Red Cross Shelter that Faith had become due to a nearby high-rise apartment fire. So much for that last minute Christmas shopping.

Fred and Dave consult on the new closet

Finishing the project

The scope of the Nomads project changed dramatically as its 2nd week began. Two new tenants – a Day Care and a refugee family from Eritrea – would be shortly taking up residence in 2 different spaces at Faith, and we shifted gears to ready the spaces for them.

Jim removing tiles in World Relief house

World Relief had vacated a house adjacent to the main church campus in the late summer, which they had been using for office space. However, they were seeking to rent it again in mid-December, but this time for a newly-arrived refugee family. The house needed some repairs, some serious cleaning and some cosmetic maintenance. However, replacing tiles in the kitchen became a complete removal, rebuilding the subfloor and laying down a new surface. With only 6 work days at our disposal, a third of the team became immersed in the necessary repairs, finishing just in time for the furniture to arrive the day before the family.

Dave and Mark measure before cutting into the cast iron water feed

​The challenges in the Day Care were mostly about water. The tenant needed 3 working sinks, and there was currently no plumbing in the rooms at all. To tap into the closest feed, we needed to cut into a cast iron pipe. Thanks to the expertise of the project members, the cut was made and the junction inserted without a problem. Over the next 2 weeks, the plumbing was completed, sinks, installed, cabinets constructed and all was hidden and ready for painting on schedule.

Fred with new door just off the truck

​The work that was originally part of the project scope continued despite the expanded scope. New drain pipes were installed on the gym lobby roof, the Wesley eaves were painted, the many wooden decks were powerwashed, and a new closet was installed, complete with a new double-door, in Wesley Hall. The additional space in the Pastor’s office connecting it to the bathroom was the one most delayed by the work on the house, but by Christmas, the walls were enclosed enough to protect them from the weather over the Christmas break.

Dave enjoys a meal at Fort Caroline UMC.

​We all felt tremendously proud of the work accomplished in such a short time. And the camaraderie was something that had many promising to return as soon as schedules would permit.

Cathy has a good time too.

David and Evelyn discuss the Red Cross shelter needs.

​Giving Shelter

After spending a weekend away visiting Dave’s sister’s family in Bradenton, we had planned a leisurely drive back to Jacksonville. However, we were not far into the drive when we got word of more activity than usual back at Faith. A nearby high-rise, low-income apartment complex housing mostly seniors had to be evacuated due to a fire. Over 100 residents were on their way to Faith. The Nomads who had stayed on after the project were enlisted to set up cots in the gym. And once the residents began to arrive, they assisted in any way they could, from assisting with registrations, to taking blood pressures, to serving meals and giving comfort. Over the next 4 days, we helped see to the needs of these shelter residents, from serving meals to washing clothes and towels, to assisting with language interpretation – you name it.

​It was exhausting, but rewarding work. And we were all filled with more than a little uncertainty as the first of the buses pulled away to take them to a hotel for an unknown number of days. As of this writing (Dec. 31), it is not known if they have been allowed to return to their apartments. But we do stay in touch via those in the area.

Christina Serenity and Alexis with Grandma and Grandpa

​Holiday Travels

Our departure from Faith happened less than an hour before the last residents left the shelter for their next accommodations. Instead of a leisurely drive north, we were on a schedule. First stop was Roanoke Rapids and a visit with Serenity, Alexis and their mom. Then to Bonnie and Troy’s for a Christmas visit.

Carolyn and Clint

​On Christmas eve, we made our way north to Pennsylvania, where we would spend several days with Dave’s mom, sister, Adam and Droz. The cold weather gave us a motivation to head further south by the Friday after Christmas, arriving in NC for a visit with Cathy’s family, where we welcomed in the New Year. Busy as usual, but worth every minute.